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Tips for a Successful Stay in Qatar

Some do’s and don’t’s

Do remember that Qatar is a nation which embraces Islamic culture, and certain clothing is more appropriate to present oneself respectably. Men and women should wear shorts and sleeveless tops only at the beach or a private, enclosed pool.
Do be prepared to bargain with shopkeepers – especially in the Souqs (street markets). Enjoy the experience!
Do make sure to drink plenty of water, and watch for potential heat-related sicknesses, especially in the summer months. Headaches, nausea, and dizziness are some of the signs that you may be dehydrated and overheating.
Do remember to protect yourself from the sun. Some type of head cover is recommended to prevent severe sunburn. Sun-block is a must, at all time of the year.
Do ask permission from people before taking their photograph. Many of the older people and most of the local women object to having their picture taken. Most government buildings, police, and armed forces buildings are off-limits for casual photography. Taking photographs at the airport is also forbidden.
Don't wade in the coastal waters barefoot. Poisonous stonefish frequent the shallows. These appear to be rocks, but can inject poison into your foot when stepped on.
Don’t cross your feet in such a way as to expose the bottoms of your feet to a Qatari host. Showing the bottoms of one's feet is considered an insult.
Traditional wisdom and practicality of the past has emphasized the use and preference of the right hand for greeting people and taking food. It is best to interact with others and give/ receive items with the right.
Do not drink and drive. There is zero tolerance for drunken behavior or driving a car under the influence of alcohol, even a small amount. Severe penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
It is illegal to gift, sell, or exchange alcohol.

Useful Information

Shopping Hours

Some shops close from 1300 hrs to 1600 hrs every afternoon. Many malls are open from 1000 hrs to midnight (check ahead!). On Fridays, all shops and food outlets will be closed from 1100 hrs to 1300 hrs for prayer.

The Holy Month of Ramadan

This year the holy month of Ramadan started on August 1st, and will last for approximately 28 days. During the holy month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public during the hours of fasting (between dawn and sunset). VCUQatar working hours will also be affected. You may be required to work fewer and adjusted hours during this month. Ramadan is followed by the Eid al Fitr holidays. The University will be closed for approximately four days during this time in celebration of the Eid. The exact date of the Eid and the duration of the Eid holidays will be announced in due course.

Consumption of Alcohol

The religion of Islam plays a strong role in the Qatari way of life. Extra care must be taken to respect this way of life, especially when it comes to the consumption of alcohol.

The importation and consumption of alcohol is strictly regulated. While alcohol will be available in most hotel restaurants and bars, you will need to obtain a liquor permit in order to purchase alcohol for consumption in your home.

You may purchase alcohol for home consumption in only one place in Qatar: the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC). You need a permit to purchase alcohol from the QDC. Permits are available on-site at the QDC. For more information, please contact Human Resources Office

Liquor purchased through the QDC must be taken directly home and should be kept concealed while driving.

Special caution should be exercised when driving home after dinner or a party - designated drivers are strongly recommended.

Time

Standard time in Doha, Qatar is 3 hours ahead of UCT (Universal Coordinated Time, formerly know as GMT) and seven hours ahead of EST (Eastern Standard Time). During Daylight Savings Time in the U.S., Qatar is 8 hours ahead of EST.

Weather

The country of Qatar has a desert climate, with long hot summers and generally mild winters. Winter temperatures vary but rarely drop below 45 degrees Farenheit (approximately 7 degrees Celsius.) However, it can feel quite cold because most buildings are not centrally heated.

The summer months are very humid and hot, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 110 degrees Farenheit (approximately 45 degrees Celsius.) Rainfall is scarce and occurs mainly between October and March.

Population

Although there are no reliable figures available, Qatari newspapers estimated in early 2008 the population to be 1.5 million. The population has been estimated to be growing at an annual rate of 9%. About half of the total population lives in Doha.

Qatari citizens account for roughly 20% of the population. Other Arab groups, mostly Palestinians, Lebanese, Omani, Syrians, and Egyptians account for another 20%. Pakistanis and Indians each represent 18%, Iranians 10%, while Europeans and others make up the balance.

Language

The official language of Qatar is Arabic. However, English is widely used in everyday life and a majority of businesses are capable of completing transactions and services using English. In addition, all classes taught at Education City universities are taught in English.

VCUQatar offers free Arabic lessons to Faculty and Staff at a variety of skill levels through Community Courses. Contact the Human Resources office for more information on classes.

Safety & Security

At VCUQatar, we take the safety and security of our students, faculty and staff and their family members very seriously. As part of a continuous effort, VCUQatar has put in place several procedures to ensure students, employees and their family members are kept safe whether they are at work, at home, or elsewhere in the city of Doha.

Embassy Registration For U.S. Citizens

The US Embassy has a Warden System that is used by the Embassy to immediately notify those registered of any serious incident happening in the immediate area or to provide information on a serious situation that may have occurred elsewhere but impacts Qatar. Please make sure to register online at:

https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs

Note: When registering, please make sure to identify your employer/affiliate as VCU.

In addition, please make sure to update your personal information. If your phone number or family situation has changed, you should re-register with this new information.

If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen

Non-U.S. employees working in Qatar are should also register with their home country's embassy. Your embassy needs to be aware of your presence in Qatar, so that they can assist you in the event of an emergency. As the process for registering with embassiesvaries, please contact your embassy directly for information on how to register.

A complete listing of embassies in Qatar, along with phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses, can be found in the latest version of Marhaba guide, copies of which may be found in the VCUQatar Human Resources office.
The Embassies Abroad websiteand Qatar Visitor websitealso include contact information for several embassies located in Qatar.
If you need any assistance with embassy registration, please contact VCUQatar Human Resources.

Useful Telephone Numbers

General

Qatar’s country code	00974
Qatar telephone directory inquiries	180
International call inquiries	190
Telephone maintenance	120
English speaking clock	140
Mobile phone account balance	146
Water emergency	4432 5959 or 4441 8132
Electricity emergency	991
Police, fire, ambulance, emergency Nos.	999 or 998
Fox Limousine	4462 2777
Karwa Taxi	4458 8888

VCUQatar Related Telephone Numbers

Human Resources	4402 0549
Housing	4402 0548
Finance	4402 0602
IT Help Desk	4402 0568

Public Health Centers

Hamad General Hospital	4439 4444
Hamad Women’s Hospital	4439 6666
Rumaillah Hospital	4439 2222
Al Amal Cancer Hospital	4439 7830

Private Health Centers

Al Ahli Hospital	4489 8888
Al Emadi Hospital	4466 6009
American Hospital	4442 1999
Apollo Clinic	4441 8441
Doha Clinic Hospital	4483 4333
Qatar Medical center	4444 0606

Private Taxi Companies (Locally known as “Limo Service”)

Company Name	Telephone No.
Al-Ebtisamah	4488 8025
Al-Khaleej	4432 1116
Al Madeenah	4447 7020 or 5582 1722
Al Raya	4444 2111
Al Wattan	4447 7999 or 5575 4524
Emirates	4486 2223 or 5576 5210
Fox	4462 2277
Protocol	4444 7177 or 5552 4414